Reusable eating utensil system configured for rapid assembly, disassembly, and transport in pocket sized cases

ABSTRACT

An eating-utensil-system comprising a plurality of reusable, three-section, eating utensil devices, and a pocket-sized storage container configured to store these utensils in disassembled form. The utensil devices comprise a head portion, bridge portion, and a handle portion all configured to join together to assemble an eating utensil, or to be separated for easy transport. The head portions can be any of a spork, spoon, fork, knife, or chopstick head. The utensils are configured for multiple cycles of assembly, use, cleaning, disassembly, and storage/transport, and are typically made of metal or durable polymer. In some embodiments, the storage containers may be configured for the minimum size needed to store two disassembled chopstick utensils, or the minimum size needed to store a disassembled knife, fork, and spoon. The system is intended to be non-disposable system with a long lifetime, thus minimizing waste.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 62/754,731, “PORTABLE AND REUSABLE SPOON, FORK, KNIFE AND CHOPSTICK IN DETACHABLE CONSTRUCTION THAT FIT IN A POCKET SIZED CASE”, filed Nov. 2, 2018; the entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of eating utensils and cutlery, as well as systems and methods of storage and transport of such utensils and cutlery.

BACKGROUND

Spoons, forks, knives, and chopsticks are everyday items of use that come in a number of different designs and materials. One material that is of concern in the last few years is plastic. An examination of oceans and landfills has revealed that single-use plastic cutlery is one of the most frequently dumped items. The average use cycle of single-use plastic cutlery is about three minutes after which it is dumped in the oceans and landfills and takes hundreds of years to decompose.

Recent studies have revealed that using single-use plastic cutlery is a major threat to the environment. Therefore, a need exists in the field for extremely portable and reusable spoons, forks, sporks, knives, and chopsticks that are designed and produced in such a way that individuals can carry their own cutlery in the pocket, bag, purse, etc. and use this cutlery whenever they are outside of their homes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to reusable spoon, spork, fork, knife, and chopsticks designed in a detachable construction that makes it easier for people to carry them outdoors and replace single-use plastic cutlery that is hurting the environment. More particularly, the invention relates to a three-part structure comprising of a handle, a bridge, and a head. The bridge part links the head to the handle and once attached to the handle, it acts as an extension of the handle and aids in the usability.

In some embodiments, the invention will comprise a three-part eating utensil configured to be transported in a small disassembled configuration, assembled, used, cleaned, and then disassembled for later reuse. This three-part eating utensil will typically be used in the form of a kit comprising a plurality of three-part eating utensils, such as a set of two, three, four, five, or even six eating utensils, usually configured to be stored in disassembled form in a small, pocket-sized, box until use.

The three-part eating utensil will typically comprise a head portion, bridge portion, and handle portion. The head portion comprises a proximal end comprising any of a spoon, fork, knife, spork, or chopstick head configured to manipulate food or to capture food and relay this food to a user's mouth. The head portion also comprises a distal end, configured to attach to the proximal end of the bridge portion by any of a head-to-bridge screw or snap joint.

The bridge portion is substantially linear, such as a long cylinder or rectangle, with a length typically at least 5 times longer than the diameter or width, that can be straight or tapered, and comprises a proximal bridge portion end configured to attach to the head portion proximal end by any of a bridge-to-head screw or snap joint that is complementary to the head-to-bridge screw or snap joint on the head portion distal end. The bridge portion also comprises a bridge portion distal end, configured to attach to the proximal end of a handle portion by any of a bridge-to-handle screw or snap joint.

The handle portion is also substantially linear, and comprises a proximal handle-to-bridge screw or snap joint that is complementary to the bridge-to-handle screw or snap joint on the distal end of the bridge portion.

Put alternatively, in some embodiments, the present invention can be viewed as comprising a novel three-part utensil spoon, knife, fork, spork, and chopstick. These eating utensils are made up of at least three parts that attach together to make a fully functional item of cutlery that is extremely portable, reusable and fits in the pocket. As previously discussed above, the three parts are comprised of a head, a handle and a bridge that has a dual role of connecting the head to the handle and also adding length to the handle for ease in holding the cutlery. All the three parts are designed in a way that they can fit in a small carry box that is portable, light-weight and can be easily carried around in the pocket, bag, or purse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the exploded view of the three components of a portable spoon.

FIG. 2 illustrates the exploded view of the three components of a portable fork.

FIG. 3 illustrates the exploded view of the three components of a portable knife.

FIG. 4 illustrates the exploded view of the three components of a portable chopstick.

FIG. 5A shows one embodiment of the portable chopstick pocket-sized case showing an exploded view of how the Chopstick Head 40, Bridge 70 and Handle 80 are stacked in a detached state in a pocket-sized box.

FIG. 5B shows one embodiment of the portable chopstick pocket-sized case showing a covered box that can be made with any durable metal (tin, steel, titanium, metal alloys), wood, or a polymer such as silicone or plastic.

FIG. 6 shows a front wireframe view showing designs for a spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state.

FIG. 7 shows a front shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a back wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a back shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows a top wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 shows a top shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 13 shows a bottom shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 shows a side wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 shows a side shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 shows a side wireframe view of designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both a disassembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 17 shows a side shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both a disassembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 18 shows a wireframe top front perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 19 shows a shaded top front perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 20 shows a wireframe side perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs, in an assembled state, as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 21 shows a shaded side perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state, as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 22 shows a photograph of the cutlery and chopstick devices disassembled and placed into a small carrying box, next to a fully assembled spoon.

FIG. 23 shows a photograph of a small carrying box containing the disassembled form of the chopsticks. The approximate height and width of the chopsticks box are also shown.

FIG. 24 shows a photograph of the small cutlery carrying box or container containing the disassembled form of the knife, fork, and spoon device. The approximate height and width of the cutlery box are also shown.

FIG. 25A shows a photograph of the tray from both the top side (left) and the bottom side (right).

FIG. 25B shows a photograph of the small cutlery box or container, further configured with the silicone tray with a flap. The disassembled utensils are placed in the tray, and the flap then moved to cover the utensils, thus helping to minimize sounds while the box is carried in the user's pocket or purse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a reusable spoon, fork, knife, and chopstick designed in a detachable configuration to make it easy for people to carry their own cutlery outside of their homes and discourage the use of single-use plastic cutlery.

In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise an eating utensil system comprising at least one utensil device (see FIG. 6, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110), each at least one utensil device comprises the following:

A head portion or section (FIG. 6, 120) configured to assist in the processing or retrieving of food. This head portion has a head proximal end and a head distal end. This head proximal end is configured to interact with food. The head distal end is configured to reversibly attach to a bridge proximal end of a bridge portion (FIG. 6, 130) by a head-to-bridge attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 128).

The utensil also comprises a substantially linear bridge portion or section (FIG. 6, 130) comprising a bridge proximal end configured to reversibly attach to the head distal end of the head portion by a bridge-to-head attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 132). This bridge portion further comprises a bridge distal end configured to reversibly attach to a handle proximal end of a substantially linear handle portion or section by a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 138). This handle portion (FIG. 6, 140) comprises a handle proximal end configured to reversibly attach to the bridge distal end of the bridge portion by a handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 142). Each of these at last one utensil devices is configured to exist in any of an assembled or disassembled configuration.

Here, the bridge portion (FIG. 6, 130) is configured to act as an extension of the handle portion (FIG. 6, 140) while the utensil is assembled. In some embodiments, the distal end of the bridge portion may have the same diameter or other dimensions as the proximal end of the handle portion. Similarly, the distal end of the head portion may have the same diameter or other dimensions as the proximal end of the bridge portion. This helps provide a pleasing and minimalistic artistic design. However other designs, where the proximal ends need not have the same diameters or other dimensions as the distal ends, may also be chosen as desired.

Note that generally, the term “attachment mechanism” refers to one or more members of the set of attachment mechanisms, such as FIGS. 6, 128 and 132; or FIGS. 6, 138 and 142. Also note that according to the invention, each utensil device is configured to be capable of multiple cycles of assembly, eating use, cleaning, disassembly, and storage.

Thus in general, the attachment mechanism comprises any of a screw and complementary protruding screw thread and cavity type thread screw receiver, and a snap joint comprising a complementary snap joint receiver. Other attachment mechanisms, including magnetic attachment mechanisms, pressure fit mechanisms, and the like are also claimed.

In the following discussion below, as previously discussed, the top portion of the utensil “head” that either fits into the mouth of the user, or at least interacts with the food (more relevant in the case of the knife utensils) is considered to be the proximal end, and the bottom portion of the utensil that comes into contact with the user's fingers during normal use, is considered the head distal end. This polarity or designation carries over to all of the various portions or sections of the utensil. Towards the user's mouth or utensil head is proximal, away from the user's mouth or towards the utensil handle is distal.

See also FIG. 6, bottom, which shows the distal sides of the utensils).

As previously discussed, each utensil has three portions or sections, and the part of the portion that comes closest to the user's mouth or interacts directly with the food, is considered the proximal end of that particular portion, and the part of the portion that is furthest away from the user's mouth (and closer to the user's hands) is considered the distal end of that particular portion.

FIG. 1 shows a detachable three-part spoon with a head portion (10) with a head proximal end (10). The distal end of the head (head distal end) comprises a head-to-bridge attachment mechanism, such as a screw (threaded) or snap joint (also called an extension) (50A) on the distal end of the head portion.

As previously discussed, the head proximal end (10) in this embodiment is configured to capture or manipulate food, and often also help relay the food to the user's mouth. Note that some utensils (such as a spoon) may work adequately by themselves, while other utensils (such as chopsticks) may require more than one utensil to provide satisfactory performance. Some utensils, such as knives, may only manipulate food by cutting. Indeed most utensils can manipulate food, but some utensils may (either by themselves, or as a set such as two chopsticks) capture food, and also help relay the food to the user's mouth.

In general, the head portion may be configured to interact with food according to the properties or characteristics or design of any of a knife, fork, spoon, spork, or chopstick.

In this embodiment, the head portion (10) has a head distal end (50A) that attaches to the bridge proximal end (60A) of the bridge portion (70) through a head-to-bridge attachment mechanism (such as by a threaded mechanism such as a screw thread, or a snap joint). Thus, for example, the bridge portion (70) has its own bridge proximal end (60A) comprising a complementary threaded cavity 60A or snap-joint. Bridge (70) will also have a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism, such as a threaded or snap extension (50B) on the distal side of the bridge. This is configured to attach to the handle proximal side (60B) of the handle (80). The handle (80) thus has a handle proximal end (60B) configured with a handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism, such as the previously discussed threaded cavity (60B) that is complementary to the bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism (50B). The extreme distal end of the handle (80) will usually not contain a further attachment mechanism. However further handle distal end attachment mechanisms, and indeed multiple bridge portions (e.g. joining more than one bridge together to produce a longer, four or five portion or segment utensil), are not disclaimed.

The three parts of the spoon (10, 70, 80) are typically joined together by screwing, snapping, or otherwise locking the distal (here shown threaded) threaded extension of one portion (e.g. 50A, 50B) into a complementary attachment mechanism, such as a threaded cavity (60A, 60B) of the other portion.

For example, the threaded (or to generalize, head-to-bridge attachment mechanism) extension (50A) of the spoon head portion 10 is locked, snapped or screwed into the bridge to head attachment mechanism (e.g. threaded cavity 60A) of bridge portion (70). The distal end of bridge portion (70) is joined to the proximal end of handle portion (80) by a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism and the complementary handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism, for example by screwing in a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism (such as a threaded extension 50B) into a complementary handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism, (such as a threaded cavity 60B) in the proximal end of handle portion (80). FIG. 2-4 work by a similar system, and indeed the only thing that is different is the configuration of the head portion. FIG. 2, for example, shows an embodiment where the head portion is a fork (20), FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where the head portion is a spoon (30), and FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where the head portion is a chopstick. Embodiments where the head portion can also comprise a spork, or different knife configurations, are shown in FIG. 6-21.

FIG. 2 shows a detachable three-part fork with a functional head 20 that has a threaded extension 50A. The Head 20 is attached to the Bridge 70 through a threaded mechanism. The Bridge 70 has a threaded cavity 60A on one side and a threaded extension 50B on the other side. The Handle 80 has a threaded cavity 60B on one side and an enclosed end on the other side.

FIG. 3 shows a detachable three-part knife with a functional Head 30 that has a threaded extension 50A. The Head 30 is attached to the Bridge 70 through a threaded mechanism. The Bridge 70 has a threaded cavity 60A on one side and a threaded extension 50B on the other side. The Handle 80 has a threaded cavity 60B on one side and an enclosed end on the other side.

FIG. 4 shows a detachable three-part chopstick with a functional Head 40 that has a threaded extension 50A. The Head 40 is attached to the Bridge 70 through a threaded mechanism. The Bridge 70 has a threaded cavity 60A on one side and a threaded extension 50B on the other side. The Handle 80 has a threaded cavity 60B on one side and an enclosed end on the other side.

In some embodiments, the eating utensil system will also comprise a storage container configured with interior or exterior size dimensions adequate to enable the container to completely encase at least one of the utensils while the at least one utensil(s) are disassembled. However, to minimize the bulk of the storage container, and to facilitate transport via pocket or purse, in a preferred embodiment, the storage container interior size dimensions (the exterior size dimensions as well) are set to be small enough so that the storage container fails to completely encase at least one of these utensils while the at least one utensil is assembled. So the storage container is configured only to encompass disassembled utensils, and cannot completely encase any of the assembled utensils.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show embodiments of the portable pocket-sized chopstick case. FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of how the Chopstick Head 40, Bridge 70 and Handle 80 are stacked in a detached state in a pocket-sized box. FIG. 5B shows a covered box that can be made with any durable metal (tin, steel, titanium, metal alloys), wood, or a polymer such as silicone or plastic. Other materials, such carbon-fiber, may also be used.

Further examples of the case, box or container are shown in FIGS. 22, 23, and 24.

In preferred embodiments, all three parts of the Spoon, Fork, Knife, Spork, and Chopstick will be made with stainless steel, carbon fiber, titanium, wood or any other reusable and durable material. In general, however, any of the head portion, bridge portion, or handle portion will be made of, or at least comprise, metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or plastic, such as a known durable plastic able to withstand repeated cycles of washing and use.

In some embodiments, such as when a plurality of utensil devices and a container are desired, the invention may be an eating utensil system comprising a plurality of utensil devices. As before, each of these utensil devices will comprise:

As previously discussed, the head portion (FIG. 6, 120) configured to assist in the processing or retrieving of food. This head portion will further comprise a head proximal end and a head distal end. This head portion proximal end is configured to interact with food. The head portion distal end is configured to reversibly attach to a bridge proximal end of a bridge portion by a head-to-bridge attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 128).

As previously discussed, each utensil also comprises a substantially linear bridge portion (FIG. 6, 130) comprising a bridge proximal end configured to reversibly attach to a head distal end of the head portion by a bridge-to-head attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 132).

The bridge portion further comprises a bridge distal end configured to reversibly attach to a handle proximal end of a substantially linear handle portion by a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 138).

As previously discussed, each utensil device also comprises a handle proximal end (FIG. 6, 140) configured to reversibly attach to the bridge distal end of the bridge portion by a handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism (FIG. 6, 142). Typically the handle portion may be a long and substantially cylindrical shape, which can be tapered or not tapered, which will typically have a length at least five times the diameter or width of the handle portion. The distal end of the handle portion may optionally be rounded so as to fit into the user's hands with greater comfort. Other types of shapes may also be used.

Here, as before, each utensil device is configured to exist in any of an assembled or disassembled configuration,

In this embodiment, the eating utensil system further comprises a storage container (also called a “case” or “box”) configured with interior size dimensions adequate to completely encase a plurality (typically between 2 to 5, or 2 to 7) of the utensils while these various utensils are disassembled. However again, to encourage easy pocket or purse portability, at least one of the storage container dimensions are chosen to have interior and exterior size dimensions that are inadequate to enable the storage container to completely encase any of the plurality of utensils while any of these utensils are assembled. The box may be made of metal, durable plastic, or other materials.

In some embodiments, the box may contain one or more interior trays, which can be made of a soft, sound and impact-absorbing material such as silicone, and which may also have a flap, so that the utensils don't rattle against the sides of the box or container, or each other, when carried in the user's pocket.

As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the invention will comprise a head portion, bridge portion, and a handle portion. This head portion comprises a head proximal end comprising any of a spoon, fork, knife, spork, or chopstick head configured to at least partially interact, and/or relay this food to a user's mouth. The head portion also comprises a head distal end, configured to attach to the bridge proximal end of the bridge portion by any of a head-to-bridge screw or snap joint.

The bridge portion is substantially linear and comprises a bridge proximal end configured to attach to the head distal end by any of a bridge-to-head screw or snap joint that is complementary to the head-to-bridge screw or snap joint on the head portion distal end. The bridge portion also comprises a bridge distal end, configured to attach to the handle proximal end of a handle portion by any of a bridge-to-handle screw or snap joint.

The handle portion is also substantially linear, and comprises a proximal handle-to-bridge screw or snap joint that is complementary to the bridge-to-handle screw or snap-joint on the bridge distal end of the bridge portion.

FIG. 6 shows a front wireframe view showing some specific industrial designs for a spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state. The assembled spork is (100), and the disassembled spork is (100 d). The assembled spoon is (102), and the disassembled spoon is (102 d). The assembled chopstick is (104), and the disassembled chopstick is (104 d). The assembled fork is (106), and the disassembled fork is (106 d). One asymmetric knife design, where the knife protrudes away on one side from the axis defined by the bridge and handle, is shown in assembled form in (108), and in disassembled form in (108 d). An alternative knife design is shown in assembled form in (110), and in disassembled form in (110 d). The other FIGS. 7-21 use the same numbering convention.

The head portions for all of the utensils are shown as (120), the bridge portions for all of the utensils are shown as (130), and the handle portions for all of the utensils are shown as (140). The extreme distal side is shown on the bottom of the figure, and the extreme proximal side is opposite on the top of the figure. Various attachment mechanisms (128 attaching to 132), (138 attaching to 142) are also shown.

FIG. 7 shows a front shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6. This helps to show some of the texture and three-dimensional shapes of these designs.

FIG. 8 shows a back wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a back shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows a top wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6. Note that designs for the spork (100), spoon (102), chopstick (104) and fork (106) are bilaterally symmetric, in that the “left” side looks like the “right” side. By contrast, the knife design (108) is not symmetric. Indeed, the blade of the knife (108) protrudes to the left of the main axis formed by the handle and bridge. The knife design (110), although more symmetric than knife (108), still is not completely symmetric either.

FIG. 11 shows a top shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6. Note the curvature of the spork head (100) is not as great as the curvature of the spoon head (102). The chopsticks (104) are totally linear. The fork (106) also has some curvature as well. The knife designs (108 and 110) are also totally linear.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 13 shows a bottom shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 shows a side wireframe view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6. The relative curvatures of the fork's head (106, and spoon (102) can be seen, as well as the lack of curvature of the two knife designs, and the chopsticks. Here the various utensils are viewed looking at the utensils in the order of first-knife, 110, second-knife 108, third-fork 106, fourth-chopstick 104, fifth-spoon 102, sixth-spork 100). So the knives are in front of the other utensils. This helps show the relative curvature of the spork (shallow curvature) as compared to the more curved spoon (102) and fork (106).

FIG. 15 shows a side shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 shows a side wireframe view of designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both a disassembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6. Here the utensils are shown from the opposite side. Thus the order is first-spork 100, second-spoon 102, third-chopstick 104, fourth-fork 106, fifth-knife 108, and sixth-knife 110. Thus from this angle, the spork is in front of the other utensils, and the knives are behind the other utensils.

FIG. 17 shows a side shaded view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both a disassembled state as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 18 shows a wireframe top front perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 19 shows a shaded top front perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in both an assembled and disassembled state previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 20 shows a wireframe side perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state, as previously shown in FIG. 6. Again note that the knives (108, 110) and chopstick (104) are completely linear, the spoon (102) and fork (106) are the most curved, and the spork (100) has an intermediate amount of curvature.

FIG. 21 shows a shaded side perspective view of the designs for the spork (combination fork and spoon), spoon, chopstick, and two alternative knife designs in an assembled state, as previously shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 22 shows a photograph of the cutlery devices disassembled and placed into a small carrying box (200), next to a fully assembled spoon (102). A disassembled fork-head (106) and some bridge and handle portions can also be seen. This example comprises a three utensil kit containing the spoon (102), fork (106), and one of the knife designs (either 108 or 110).

FIG. 23 shows a photograph of an alternative small carrying (202) storage container or box containing the disassembled form of the chopsticks. The approximate height and width of the chopsticks box are also shown. This example should be considered to be teaching a kit comprising two chopstick utensils (104), shown in a disassembled form (104 d). In this example, the chopsticks box has a height of approximately 80 millimeters, a width of approximately 24 millimeters, and a depth of approximately 12 millimeters.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the eating utensil system will comprise at least two utensil devices (such as two chopstick devices 104, 104 d), each with head portions configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of chopsticks. In this embodiment, the storage container, box or case is configured to only completely encase at least two utensils only when these utensils are disassembled.

Here, for easy pocket carrying, in this embodiment, exterior dimensions of the storage container, box, or case are configured with size dimensions less than 100 millimeters by 30 millimeters by 25 millimeters.

FIG. 24 shows a photograph of a small cutlery carrying storage container or box (200) previously shown in FIG. 22, here containing the disassembled forms of the knife (108), fork (106), and spoon device (102), here shown disassembled as 108 d, 106 d, and 102 d. The approximate height of the cutlery storage container or box is about 63 millimeters, the approximate width is about 82 millimeters, and the approximate depth is about 12 millimeters.

Thus in some embodiments, the utensil system may comprise at least three utensil devices. Here, these utensil devices may be a first utensil device with a head portion configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of a spoon. A second utensil device may have a head portion configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of a fork. A third utensil device may have a head portion configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of a knife. In this embodiment, the storage container is configured to only completely encase these at least three utensils only when the utensils are disassembled.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the exterior dimensions of the storage container or box are configured with size dimensions of less than 70 millimeters by 90 millimeters by 25 millimeters.

In some embodiments, it may be useful to further configure the storage container to further comprises an interior tray that keeps the disassembled utensils from contacting the side of the box, and also to some extent keeps the disassembled utensils from contacting each other as well.

This interior tray can comprise sound and shock absorbing material such as silicone or other shock absorbing material. In a preferred embodiment, this tray is further configured to minimize sound generated by the system while the user is carrying this storage container with the utensils in a disassembled configuration. This tray will help minimize sounds that might be generated, due to shock and vibration, while this storage container is being moved.

FIG. 25A shows a photograph of the tray (210) from both the top side (210-T left) and the bottom side (210-B right). The top and bottom sides of the flap (212-T, 212B) are also shown. In some embodiments, the tray may have various interior compartments (214).

FIG. 25B shows a photograph of the small cutlery box or container (200), further configured with the silicone tray (210) with a flap (212). The disassembled utensils are placed in the tray, and the flap then moved to cover the utensils, before the lid of the box is closed, thus helping to minimize sounds while the box is carried in the user's pocket or purse. 

1. An eating utensil system comprising at least one utensil device, each at least one said utensil device comprising: a head portion configured to assist in processing or retrieving food, said head portion having a head proximal end and a head distal end, said head proximal end configured to interact with food, said head distal end configured to reversibly attach to a bridge proximal end of a bridge portion by a head-to-bridge attachment mechanism; a substantially linear bridge portion comprising said bridge proximal end configured to reversibly attach to said head distal end of said head portion by a bridge-to-head attachment mechanism; said bridge portion further comprising a bridge distal end configured to reversibly attach to a handle proximal end of a substantially linear handle portion by a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism; said handle portion comprising said handle proximal end configured to reversibly attach to said bridge distal end of said bridge portion by a handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism; each at least one said utensil device configured to exist in any of an assembled or disassembled configuration.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage container configured with interior size dimensions adequate to completely encase at least one said utensils while at least one said utensils are disassembled; and wherein at least one of said storage container interior or exterior size dimensions are inadequate to enable said storage container to completely encase at least one said utensils while any of at least one aid utensils are assembled.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said head portion is configured to interact with food according to the properties of any of a knife, fork, spoon, spork, or chopstick.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises any of a screw and complementary protruding screw thread and cavity type thread screw receiver, and a snap joint comprising a complementary snap joint receiver.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one utensil device is configured to be capable of multiple cycles of assembly, eating use, cleaning, disassembly, and storage.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said bridge portion is configured to act as an extension of said handle portion while said utensil is assembled.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein any of said head portion, bridge portion, or handle portion comprises metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or durable plastic.
 8. An eating utensil system comprising a plurality of utensil devices, each said utensil device comprising: a head portion configured to assist in processing or retrieving food, said head portion having a head proximal end and a head distal end, said head proximal end configured to interact with food, said head distal end configured to reversibly attach to a bridge proximal end of a bridge portion by a head-to-bridge attachment mechanism; a substantially linear bridge portion comprising said bridge proximal end configured to reversibly attach to said head distal end of said head portion by a bridge-to-head attachment mechanism; said bridge portion further comprising a bridge distal end configured to reversibly attach to a handle proximal end of a substantially linear handle portion by a bridge-to-handle attachment mechanism; said handle portion comprising said handle proximal end configured to reversibly attach to said bridge distal end of said bridge portion by a handle-to-bridge attachment mechanism; each said utensil configured to exist in any of an assembled or disassembled configuration, and a storage container configured with interior size dimensions adequate to completely encase a plurality of said utensils while said plurality of utensils are disassembled; and wherein at least one of said storage container interior or exterior size dimensions are inadequate to enable said storage container to completely encase said plurality of utensils while any of said utensils are assembled.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein each said head portion is configured to interact with food according to the properties of any of a knife, fork, spoon, spork, or chopstick.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein each said attachment mechanism comprises any of a screw and complementary protruding screw thread and cavity type screw receiver, and a snap joint comprising a complementary snap joint receiver.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein each said utensil device is configured to be capable of multiple cycles of assembly, eating use, cleaning, disassembly, and storage.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein each said bridge portion is configured to act as an extension of said handle portion while said utensil is assembled.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein any of said head portion, bridge portion, or handle portion comprises metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or durable plastic.
 14. The system of claim 8, comprising at least two utensil devices, each with head portions configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of chopsticks; and said storage container configured to only completely encase said at least two utensils only when said utensils are disassembled.
 15. The system of claim 8, comprising at least three utensil devices; a first utensil device with a head portion configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of a spoon; a second utensil device with a head portion configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of a fork; a third utensil device with a head portion configured to interact with food according to the characteristics of a knife; and said storage container configured to only completely encase said at least three utensils only when said utensils are disassembled.
 16. The system of claim 8, wherein the exterior dimensions of said storage container are configured with size dimensions less than 100 millimeters by 30 millimeters by 25 millimeters.
 17. The system of claim 8, wherein the exterior dimensions of said storage container are configured with size dimensions of less than 70 millimeters by 90 millimeters by 25 millimeters.
 18. The system of claim 8, wherein said storage container further comprises an interior tray, said interior tray comprising sound and shock absorbing material, said interior tray configured to minimize sound generated by said system while said storage container is carrying said utensils in a disassembled configuration, and while said storage container is subjected to shock and vibration while being moved. 